Journalist Seriously Injured After Getting Blasted by Shotgun in Pattaya

Pattaya

A shooting incident occurred in Pattaya yesterday morning, leaving a journalist seriously injured.

Pattaya police received a report of the incident around 7 AM today, December 13th, before mobilizing investigators and rescue personnel to the scene. The incident happened on Soi Sai Sam on Pettrakul Road, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province.

Upon arrival, authorities discovered a red Honda PCX motorcycle overturned in the middle of the road. Nearby, Mr. Nattapat Boonchalee, a 28-year-old Pattaya-based assistant news reporter, was found with severe injuries to his left cheek and head. Emergency medical assistance was immediately provided before Mr. Nattapat was transported to a nearby hospital. A subsequent medical examination revealed that there were over 40 shotgun pellets lodged in his eye socket and head.

According to a friend of the victim, Mr. O (pseudonym), they were having breakfast at a hot pot restaurant less than one kilometer from the incident site moments before the shooting. A red sedan followed by a motorcycle entered the restaurant shortly before Mr. O left to take his child to school. Upon returning, he found Mr. Nattapat seriously injured on the road and promptly notified emergency services.

Local residents reported that they heard a loud noise around the time of the incident. However, they did not witness the actual events leading up to the attack.

Pol. Col. Navin Theeravit, chief of Pattaya Police Station, deployed police officers to interview witnesses and examine CCTV footage in the area. While the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, Pol. Col. Navin suspected that the incident might be connected to the victim’s work as a journalist or a personal conflict.

The Pattaya News wishes for the full recovery of Nattapat and capture of the suspects as soon as possible. Mr. Nattapat has worked in Pattaya reporting for some time, providing local news to all Pattaya news outlets and supporting the Pattaya community, both residents and expats.

Update

At the time of reporting, December 13th, two suspects were arrested by Pattaya police. They are identified as Mr. Rachai Manikarangkun, 36, and Mr. Somrak Kaewkrajang, 39. However, both denied shooting the victim so far, while police are hunting for the suspected shooter.

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